Posts Tagged ‘war weekend’

12-14 October: Pickering War Weekend 2012

Tuesday, October 18th, 2011 by RichFox
Waiting for the train at Pickering Station

Waiting for the train at Pickering Station

The War Weekend in the North York Moors, Pickering, Levisham, Goathland, Grosmont and Whitby has been scheduled for 12, 13 and 14 October 2012.

An exceptionally popular event, 2012 will be the 20th year for the North York Moors Railway’s Wartime Weekend as visitors take a nostalgic trip back to 1940s wartime Britain.

Vintage Car Parade, Pickering

Vintage Car Parade, Pickering

Events will include:

  • a flag-raising ceremony to get proceedings under way, commemorating the many who died in service on the railways during the war
  • huge parade on the Saturday morning in the market place in Pickering
  • air raid at Pickering Station
  • 1940s musical shows and music
  • land army vintage tractor display
  • jive music and dancing
  • home front displays
  • French café in Le Visham (German-occupied Levisham)
  • Home Guard display, Anderson shelter display
Commemorating those who served on the Home Front

Commemorating those who served on the Home Front

The 2011 War Weekend drew record crowds to the North York Moors including hundreds of re-enactors from all over the UK and Europe (we spoke to a Polish chap from Stratford and a German re-enactor who’d come over from Düsseldorf for the weekend). And whilst Grosmont, Goathland and Pickering all put on brilliant shows and events, Levisham stole the show this year, tranformed into French Le Visham, a continental rural station under German occupation with a fabulous French café in an atmospheric marquee and a full-size replica flying V1 bomb.

For the 2012 War Weekend, if you’re looking for accommodation for the weekend, check out Pickering B&Bs, Whitby hotels and holiday cottages in the North York Moors on Hello Yorkshire.

In the meantime, here are a few pictures of the 2011 weekend to whet your appetite:

Preparing for a busy day

Youngsters preparing for a busy day

Soldiers block the road into the market square in Pickering

Soldiers block the road into the market square in Pickering

Re-enactors share a joke in Pickering

Re-enactors maintain a road block in Pickering

A spiv has his papers checked in Pickering

A spiv has his papers checked in Pickering

1940s shoes!

1940s shoes!

Pickering Vintage Car Parade gets under way

Pickering Vintage Car Parade gets under way

The vintage car parade attracted thousands of Pickering's market place

The vintage car parade attracted thousands to Pickering's market place

Austin Utility Van in the Pickering Vintage Car Parade

Austin Utility Van in the Pickering Vintage Car Parade

This little red cross dog attracted lots of attention

This little red cross dog attracted lots of attention

Home Guard patrol in Pickering Market Place

Home Guard despatch rider in Pickering Market Place

Thousands line the streets as the parade marches down Birdgate, Pickering

Thousands line the streets as the parade marches down Birdgate, Pickering

Parade snakes down Birdgate, Pickering

Parade snakes down Birdgate, Pickering

Re-enactors line the streets during the parade

Re-enactors line the streets during the parade

Re-enactors await the next train at Pickering Station

Re-enactors await the next train at Pickering Station

Sunshine beats down on Pickering Station

Sunshine beats down on Pickering Station

Checking the news from the front

Checking the news from the front

Young and old all chip in to help recreate the wartime feel

Young and old all chip in to help recreate the 1940s feel

11:30 Pickering to Whitby train arrives on time

11:30 Pickering to Whitby train arrives on time

View from the train window as passengers queue to board

View from the train window as passengers queue to board

Re-enactors chat on the platform

Re-enactors chat on the platform

Veteran passes famous 1940 Churchill poster

Veteran passes famous 1940 Churchill poster

Dancers from across the UK perform on Grosmont Station platform

Dancers from across the UK perform on Grosmont Station platform

Veteran enjoys the late autumn sunshine in Grosmont

Veteran enjoys the late autumn sunshine in Grosmont

Steam train prepares to pull out of Grosmont and on to Goathland

Steam train prepares to pull out of Grosmont and on to Goathland on a beautiful October afternoon

Couple Lindy Hop on Grosmont Station

Couple Lindy Hop on Grosmont Station

Land girls share a story at Goathland Station

Land girls share a story at Goathland Station

Beautiful shire horse attracts plenty of attention

Beautiful shire horse attracts plenty of attention

Local youngsters enjoy the vintage vehicles on show

Local youngsters enjoy the vintage vehicles on show

Steam train heads towards Levisham

Steam train heads towards Levisham

Waffen-SS soldier in Le Visham

Waffen-SS soldier in Le Visham

Personnel from the Feldgendarmerie and the Wehrmacht patrol Le Visham

Personnel from the Feldgendarmerie and the Wehrmacht patrol Le Visham

Waffen-SS soldier in reflective mood

Waffen-SS soldier in reflective mood

SS motorbike and sidecar at Le Visham

SS motorbike and sidecar at Le Visham

Levisham Station's sign is replaced with occupied Le Visham

Levisham Station's sign is replaced with occupied Le Visham

German submariner re-enactor from Düsseldorf takes a breather at Le Visham

German submariner re-enactor from Düsseldorf takes a breather at Le Visham

Local girl accosted by German re-enactors

Local girl accosted by German re-enactors

 

…and here’re a handful of pictures from the 2007 NYMR War Weekend:

 

Sir Nigel Gresley pulls into Pickering Station

Sir Nigel Gresley pulls into Pickering Station

American serviceman with cute companion

American serviceman with cute companion

Re-enactor looks the part

Re-enactor looks the part

Getting prepared for an air raid

Getting prepared for an air raid

Commando alights at Grosmont

Commando alights at Grosmont

American waits to board the train at Grosmont

American waits to board the train at Grosmont

Beautiful vintage Merlin at Goathland Station

Beautiful vintage Merlin at Goathland Station

1940s-style boy aboard a train being pulled by the Sir Nigel Gresley

1940s-style boy aboard a train being pulled by the Sir Nigel Gresley

The end of a long weekend, time for a rest in Pickering

The end of a long weekend, time for a rest in Pickering

All photographs courtesy of Richard Fox.

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15-17 October 2010: Railway in Wartime weekend

Saturday, June 12th, 2010 by chrisjones

This is an incredibly popular event (and growing in popularity each year) organised primarily by the North Yorkshire Moors Railway (NMYR) and takes place in Pickering and the villages (Levisham, Goathland, and Grosmont) on the rail line to Whitby. Although originally based on the railway stations, it has, over the years, spread out across the towns and villages and involves a large proportion of the local population, as well as thousands of visitors (many in period costume) who come along to join in the many and varied events that take part over the weekend.

The basis of the Railway in Wartime Weekend is that Britain’s railways and the staff that ran them played a vital part in the Allied victory in World War 2. To celebrate this contribution to the war effort and to commemorate those staff who died in service the North Yorkshire Moors Railway set aside one weekend a year in which they turn the clock back to those days when fair Albion had its back again the wall. The NMYR decorates it stations in WW2 style, station names are covered up (spies are everywhere!) station windows are taped-up (to minimise flying glass), sandbags line entrances and exits (to absorb shrapnel), and propaganda posters adorn the walls (to boost morale and encourage everyone to do their duty). To complete the picture the Railway’s staff wear appropriate uniform for the duration.

Many of the local populace join in and also dress in period civvies or in the uniforms of our valiant armed forces, and there are dances (organised by ENSA*, naturally), parades and marches. Participants also have to be aware that air-raids can occur at any time and must be prepared to take precautions – so always wear your gas-mask!

If you visit any of the participating towns and villages, you’ll find lots of men and women in military uniforms – and you’ll need to be aware that you might be challenged by a German paratrooper (they have been known to invade Pickering before now). There are always displays of military equipment – from hand guns to tanks – flags, and insignia, etc.

And, of course, you can really get a feel for it all by boarding one of the steam trains that journey back and forth on the line that day.

The weekend serves many functions – it’s an excuse to dress up, it’s a chance to relive recent history (a time for grandparents to share their or their parents’ experiences of wartime Britain), it’s a commemoration (a wreath is laid in tribute to railway workers who died during wartime service, but it’s also huge fun and a treat for all the family.

*Not really, as ENSA – Entertainments National Service Association – no longer exists, but they are in the style of ENSA concerts and dances.

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16-18 April: Spirit of the 40s Weekend in Whitby

Friday, March 12th, 2010 by admin
Precession of 40s vehicles at Spirit of the 40s Weekend in Whitby

See a precession of 40s civilian and military vehicles winding through tthe streets of Whitby, plus re-enactors wearing period costumes

Join in the merriment and revel in the nostalgia as Whitby is transported back in time to the 1940s for this three day ‘must-see’ event.

The windows of Whitby’s many fascinating boutique shops are adorned with memorabilia to set the scene. Re-enactors parade through the streets dressed in military, civilian and evacuee attire from the period and a precession of 40s civilian and military vehicles winds its way through the town.

Historical re-enactments, singers, pipe and drum bands and dance lessons ensure there’s plenty going on to see and join in with. Take a vintage steam bus ride through the town, learn to Jive or Foxtrot, or discover the many treasures to be found at the memorabilia and clothing stalls and flea market.

There will be a variety of fundraising events going on throughout the weekend in support of ‘Help For Heroes’ and a number of other charities.

For news on the 2011 Spirit of the 40s Weekend in Whitby, click here

— Fri 16 April 2010 —

Hangar Dance (feat. Miss Lola Lamour)
1940s dance featuring the superb vocal talents of Miss Lola Lamour
Starts 7.30pm, Whitby Pavilion Complex Northern Lights Suite. Tickets £8

— Sat 17 April 2010 —

Black Market in the Bunker – Traditional Pastimes Displays
Live demonstrations of 40s pastimes, including quilting, embroidery, flower pressing, knitting and crocheting, with the opportunity to buy the items on display. There will also be painting demonstartions from Whitby Art Society, a show stall from the Friends of Whitby Pavilion and Illustrator/photographer Stuart McMillan will be showing illustrations from the book ‘Defence of the UK – Whitby’.
10:00am-4:00pm, Whitby Pavilion Café. Entry FREE

‘All Ruzzit Buzzit’ Dance Classes
1.00-2.00pm Beginners 1940s Jive
2.00-3.00pm Learn to Stroll (absolute beginners)
3.00-4.00pm Intermediate 40s Jive
4.00-5.00pm Foxtrot 40s Style
Whitby Pavilion Complex, Northern Lights Suite. All classes £5 per person

Gala Dance with The Moonlight Serenade Orchestra (supported by Miss Lola Lamour)
Starts 7.30pm, Whitby Pavilion Complex, Northern Lights Suite. Tickets £15

— Sunday 18 April 2010 —

Victory Breakfast and Singalong
Get together for a sing song and a good hearty breakfast. It’s an exhilarating way to start your day!
9.00-10.30am, Whitby Pavilion Café. Adults £5 Children £3

Black Market in the Bunker – Traditional Pastimes Displays
Live demonstrations of 40s pastimes, including quilting, embroidery, flower pressing, knitting and crocheting, with the opportunity to buy the items on display. There will also be painting demonstartions from Whitby Art Society, a show stall from the Friends of Whitby Pavilion and Illustrator/photographer Stuart McMillan will be showing illustrations from the book ‘Defence of the UK – Whitby’.
10:00am-4:00pm, Whitby Pavilion Café. Entry FREE

40s Fashion Show
WWII Re-enactors North East showcase fashion of the 40s, including clothing, glamorous evening wear and military wear, plus tips on how to achieve those fantastic 40s hairstyles.
12.00pm-1.00pm, Whitby Pavilion Complex, Northern Lights Suite. Admission FREE

Sunday Showcase Concert
An afternoon of classic 40s music and songs, including many old favourites. Enjoy the nostalgia and join in with audience participation. The perfect way to finish off the weekend!
2.00pm, Whitby Pavilion Complex, Northern Lights Suite. Adults: £5.50 Concessions: £4.50

Tickets available in advance from Whitby Pavilion (Tel: 01947 604 855).

Camping is available for the re-enactors by calling Harry Collett of the Whitby & District Tourism Association on 01947 821734. Visitors looking for accommodation will find a wide range of Whitby bed and breakfast accommodation and Whitby hotels here on Hello Yorkshire.

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